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Below is a family biography included in The History of McLean County, Illinois published by Wm. LeBaron, Jr. Co. in 1879.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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S. D. BAKER, grocer, Bloomington. His parents were Dr. Isaac and Susannah M. (Dodge) Baker, who were pioneers of McLean Co. They came to what is now McLean County in 1827, settling first at Hurley’s Grove, and after a few months removed to Funk’s Grove, where they remained two years; thence to Blooming Grove; and when the land came into market his father entered 160 acres. During his early life he had learned surveying, and, in 1831, with the assistance of James Allen and W. Orendorff, he laid out the original town of Bloomington. At the meeting of the first Board of Commissioners of McLean Co., Mr. Baker was chosen Clerk of the County Commissioners’ Court, which position he held fifteen years. He served as Postmaster for a number of years. He was a much respected citizen, and always took an active part in all public matters pertaining to the good of the community in which he lived. He died in April, 1873, at the ripe age of 90 years. The subject of this sketch was born in Washington Co., Ohio, Feb. 14, 1820. Among those who have lived in McLean Co. many years, and watched its growth and helped to bring it to its present condition, are the Bakers. S. D. Baker was for many years in mercantile business in Le Roy. In 1874, he removed to Topeka, Kan., on account of the health of his family; he remained two years, after which he settled in Bloomington, at 115 S. Center St., which was the site occupied by his father in 1832, and the location of the post office as early as 1834. Here he keeps a fine grocery store, with a good assortment of the best grade of goods. He is a liberal, wide-awake citizen and business man, and enjoys a good paying trade, and the confidence of a large number of warm friends. He married Miss Laura A. Edwards, of this county, March 14, 1848. They have two children living Frank W. and Eva.

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This family biography is one of 1257 biographies included in The History of McLean County, Illinois published by Wm. LeBaron, Jr. Co. in 1879.  View the complete description here: The History of McLean County, Illinois

View additional McLean County, Illinois family biographies here: McLean County, Illinois Biographies

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